President De La Espriella Launches Offensive Against Colombian Guerrillas

President Abelardo De La Espriella launched a major military offensive against FARC dissidents and ELN criminal structures shortly after taking office on Friday. The operations are primarily concentrated in the rural area of El Tambo, Cauca, where the Colombian army targeted FARC dissidents led by alias Ivan Mordisco. These initial strikes resulted in the deaths of at least five dissident members and the capture of a mid-level leader of the Dagoberto Ramos structure known as Menor.

Simultaneous combat operations are unfolding in Nariño, where the National Army is engaging ELN criminal structures. These kinetic actions align with a broader strategic shift in the Colombian administration's approach to narco-terrorist networks.

To support these efforts, the United States announced a 1 billion dollar security package intended to bolster Colombia's Public Force. The aid package focuses on intensifying the fight against drug trafficking and expanding intelligence cooperation, which may include the integration of MQ-9 Reaper drones into Colombian operations.